By Hannah Bennett
Given the tough economic climate these days, the traditional wisdoms about education have been under careful scrutiny. In the field of publishing, where advanced degrees specific to the field are already rare, many young people are faced with a difficult decision. Is it better for aspiring publishing professionals to pursue a Masters in Publishing in hopes that the education will pay off in the work force? Or is publishing the sort of field in which advanced education is not worth the financial strain?
As a student myself, currently obtaining an M.S. in Publishing, it’s clear which side of the debate I landed on. With a program that moves quickly and stresses real-life experience, I have found the education to be extremely valuable. But the discussion is an important one to have, and one that will need to continue as we examine the future of the publishing world. Examining this issue from several sides, the Young to Publishing Group recently published an article by Emma Brockway entitled, “In a Tough Economic Environment, Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Succeed?”
The Young to Publishing Group “strives to give entry-level and junior industry employees (typically with 0-5 years of publishing experience) a chance to build a community outside of their own publishing house and to educate themselves about the publishing industry as a whole.” An initiative of the Association of American Publishers (AAP), the group provides free membership to young people working in the industry as a way to help educate them about the field. This article, which features WNBA-NYC Chapter President Jane Denning, is one of many informative articles posted on their website for the benefit of young professionals. An excerpt from the article is below.
In a Tough Economic Environment, Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Succeed?
By Emma Brockway
Entry-level publishing professionals are many things: determined go-getters, expert multitaskers, and unabashed book lovers. Transitioning from an undergraduate literature major to an assistant in the publishing industry is a challenging yet rewarding process. For some, diving headfirst into the industry is an education unto itself. But for others, a master’s degree in publishing or a related field provides a competitive edge and broad-based knowledge of the ever evolving marketplace.”
To read the full article, check out the YPG website here!
